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IANA task force on nutrition and cognitive decline with aging
S Gillette Guyonnet1, G Abellan Van Kan, S Andrieu
1Service de Medecine Interne et de Gerontologie Clinique, Pavillon J.P. Junod, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Grave-Casselardit, Toulouse cedex 9, France. gillette.s@chu-toulouse.fr
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|April 17, 2007
Summary
Dietary fats and B-vitamins significantly impact cognitive decline risk. Healthy fats and fish may protect against dementia, while unhealthy fats increase risk. Further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nutrition significantly influences cognitive function and the risk of cognitive decline.
- Vitamins, trace minerals, and lipids are key nutrients potentially affecting dementia risk, particularly in the elderly.
- Public and scientific interest in the diet-cognition link is growing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the relationship between diet and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To specifically examine the roles of homocysteine-related vitamins (B-vitamins), antioxidant nutrients, and dietary lipids.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies examining dietary intake and cognitive decline.
- Focus on prospective studies and longitudinal cohort studies.
- Analysis of data on B-vitamins, antioxidant nutrients (vitamins E, C, carotenoids, flavonoids), and dietary lipids.
Main Results:
- High intake of saturated and trans fats is associated with increased AD risk.
- Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, along with fish consumption, show protective effects against cognitive decline.
- B-vitamins (especially B9 and B12) appear to play a protective role in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
- Antioxidant nutrients may be effective when consumed in balanced combinations, considering potential adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Dietary patterns, particularly fat intake and B-vitamin consumption, are linked to cognitive decline and dementia risk.
- Further long-duration prospective studies are crucial for understanding these relationships.
- Future research should include meta-analyses and controlled intervention studies, accounting for social and cultural factors.
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